News / Bristol
Bristol Walk Fest 2017 launches
Local school children and members of the public walked a mile in Bristol to launch Bristol Walk Fest 2017.
Children from six different local schools walked five laps of College Green, which is equivalent to one mile. It was the first part of the Bristol Walking Festival, which runs throughout May and offers a programme of over 140 walks for local people to take part in.
Most of the walks are free, and include historical tours, nature walks, and for the more adventurous, ping pong on the move. The walk itself was launched by The Lord Mayor of Bristol, who dabbed with the school children before cutting the ribbon.
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The event was organised by Claire Nichols, the sport, play and funding officer at Bristol City Council. She said: “It’s been a huge success. We couldn’t have asked for a better day, or a better atmosphere. There’s over two hundred children here, from three years old up to eighteen.”
The event also launched this year’s challenge: to walk a mile every day throughout May. Individuals can download a sheet from the Walk Fest website to record their walks and the distance travelled. Those who successfully walk 31 miles will then be able to download a certificate.
Claire added: “Everyone should be doing more walking, and more exercise generally. Walking is so accessible – it’s suitable for everyone, from tiny little toddlers, to 90 year olds. Everyone can have a go at walking somehow, somewhere.”
Lots of other activities took place on College Green, including ‘walking football’ organised by Bristol City Football Club.
2017 is Bristol’s year as European City of Sport, and the council is using this as an opportunity to promote the benefits of getting active.
Becky Pollard, Director for Public Health said: “Walking is a great form of exercise and an easy way to stay in shape that can be built into your daily routine. Many people locally could benefit from making more of their everyday journeys on foot. Regular exercise not only benefits our physical health but also our mental wellbeing.
“Government guidelines recommend that we should all be trying to do 150 minutes moderate or 75 minutes vigorous exercise each week. I hope that local people will feel able to use this challenge as an excuse to start working towards this goal and encourage everyone to sign up and give it a go.”
Melanie Mackintosh, who took part in the walk around College Green, is a GP, a walking instructor, and a counsellor. She said: “My aim is to get people out walking. I love the idea of walking a mile a day. It’s so achievable.”
For more information, visit www.bristolwalkfest.com
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